SONSHIP: EMPTIED HIMSELF FOR THE PRODIGAL SON

“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” (Philippians 2:7, KJV)

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the parable of the prodigal son as a profound illustration of divine mercy, examining the journey from rebellion to restoration, the Father’s compassionate embrace, the dangers of self-righteousness, and the call for the community to embody grace and forgiveness in daily life.

GRACE’S GRAND REVELATION!

The parable of the prodigal son is one of the most touching depictions of God’s love and mercy. Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, used this story to convey the depth of the Father’s grace toward sinners. The imagery of the lost son, the welcoming father, and the resentful elder brother paints a profound picture of the gospel. Let’s internalize this message, understanding its implications for both personal salvation and communal responsibility. Ellen G. White declares, “The love of God still yearns over the one who has chosen to separate from Him, and He sets in operation influences to bring him back to the Father’s house” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 202). God’s mercy reaches out to us even in our waywardness, as seen in Ephesians 2:4-5, But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;). This love persists unconditionally, reflected in Romans 5:8, But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Little did the gay, thoughtless youth, as he went out from his father’s gate, dream of the ache and longing left in that father’s heart (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 203, 1900). In his restless youth the prodigal looked upon his father as stern and severe. How different his conception of him now (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 204, 1900). The community finds hope in this unending grace. But what drives the youngest son to demand his inheritance prematurely?

REBELLIOUS RAMPAGE BEGINS!

The youngest son, in an act of reckless entitlement, demanded his inheritance from his father. “And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.” (Luke 15:12). This act was a grave insult. In Jewish culture, requesting an inheritance while the father was still alive was akin to wishing for his death. Yet, the father did not force his son to stay; he allowed him to make his choice. This is when the the father emptied himself the first time. Like this young man, many today seek independence from God, desiring to live life on their own terms. Sr. White states, “Many are still doing what the prodigal did. They claim the good things of God as their own but use them to indulge in selfish pleasures.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 200). The deception of self-will leads many into a world of sin and despair, where they believe they are free, yet are bound by the consequences of their choices. “Satan presents the path of sin as an inviting one, but in the end, it is the way of death” (Steps to Christ, p. 31). Self-reliance misleads us, as Proverbs 14:12 reveals, There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Our straying paths confirm this in Isaiah 53:6, All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. The younger son had become weary of the restraint of his father’s house. He thought that his liberty was restricted (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 198, 1900). The youth acknowledges no obligation to his father, and expresses no gratitude; yet he claims the privilege of a child in sharing his father’s goods (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 199, 1900). This is the second time the father empties himself. Freedom without God brings ruin. But what depths of misery follow this separation from the Father?

DESPAIR’S DARK DEPTHS!

With his newfound wealth, the prodigal son indulged in worldly pleasures, but his resources soon vanished. “And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.” (Luke 15:14-15). This moment was one of utter humiliation. Feeding swine was the lowest form of servitude for a Jew, as pigs were considered unclean (Leviticus 11:7). Sin always promises freedom but results in bondage. “Satan lures men with the promise of pleasure, but when his power is acknowledged, he enslaves the soul.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 201). The prodigal son represents all who have forsaken God, believing happiness lies apart from Him. However, the world’s promises are empty, and separation from the Father leads only to spiritual famine. Sr. White further warns, “When Satan has made his gains, he leaves the soul to perish in despair” (The Great Controversy, p. 534). Rebellion brings affliction, as Psalm 107:10-12 describes, Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High: Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help. Sin’s consequences enslave us, shown in Romans 6:23, For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Evil companions help him to plunge ever deeper into sin, and he wastes his ‘substance with riotous living’ (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 199, 1900). He is in the worst of bondage—‘holden with the cords of his sins’ (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 200, 1900). Isolation from God yields despair. But how does the prodigal awaken to his need for home?

REPENTANCE’S RISING CALL!

Broken and destitute, the prodigal son finally came to his senses. “And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee.” (Luke 15:17-18). True repentance begins with an acknowledgment of sin. Many hesitate to return to God, believing they are unworthy. Sr. White reassures us, “No sooner does the lost soul turn toward God than the arms of His love are stretched out to receive him.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 202). Our Father does not delight in punishment but in restoration. “To each one, God has assigned a place in His great plan. Today, as in Christ’s day, there are lost sheep to be gathered into the fold. He rejoices over the return of every wanderer” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 205). God desires our return, as 2 Peter 3:9 affirms, The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Conversion renews us, echoed in Acts 3:19, Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. The prodigal son in his wretchedness ‘came to himself.’ The deceptive power that Satan had exercised over him was broken (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 202, 1900). He saw that his suffering was the result of his own folly, and he said, ‘How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father’ (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 202, 1900). Humility opens the path home. But what response awaits from the waiting Father?

LOVE’S LAVISH WELCOME!

What a glorious moment when the father saw his son returning! “But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20). The father did not wait for an apology; he ran to embrace his son. This is the heart of the gospel! This is the third time the father emptied himself. Zephaniah 3:17 assures us, “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” Sr. White adds, “Every repentant sinner is received by the Father with boundless love and unutterable joy.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 206). No matter how far we have strayed, God’s love remains unchanged. “Christ has made provision that no soul need despair because of sin” (Steps to Christ, p. 35). Divine affection surrounds us, as 1 John 3:1 proclaims, Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Eternal sacrifice demonstrates this in John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Not even the degradation of the years of sin can conceal the son from the father’s eyes. He ‘had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck’ in a long, clinging, tender embrace (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 203, 1900). The father will permit no contemptuous eye to mock at his son’s misery and tatters. He takes from his own shoulders the broad, rich mantle, and wraps it around the son’s wasted form (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 203, 1900). This is the fourth time the father emptied himself. Restoration brings joy. But how does the elder son react to this celebration?

JEALOUSY’S JARRING NOTE!

Amidst the joyous celebration, the elder son refused to join. “And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him.” (Luke 15:28). He could not understand such grace. This is the fifth time the father emptied himself. Isaiah 65:5 describes this spirit: “Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou.” Sr. White explains, “The elder son represents those who, though they claim to be sons of God, serve Him as a hireling rather than from love.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 209). This warning extends to us. If we view others with contempt, failing to rejoice in their redemption, we reveal a spirit foreign to God’s kingdom. “The closer we come to Christ, the more we shall see the imperfections of our own character” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 211). Pride blinds us, as Luke 18:11 illustrates, The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. Self-effort fails, confirmed in Romans 10:3, For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. The elder son ‘was in the field; and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he was angry, and would not go in’ (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 207, 1900). He dwells upon his own life in his father’s house as a round of unrequited service, and then places in mean contrast the favor shown to the son just returned (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 207, 1900). Humility counters self-righteousness. But what action does this parable urge upon the community?

MERCY’S MIGHTY CHALLENGE!

What lesson must we learn? This parable compels us to evaluate our hearts. Do we welcome sinners with joy, or do we harbor resentment like the elder son? Are we willing to extend grace, as God has extended it to us? The Father’s love is boundless, His mercy is everlasting, and His grace is free. “For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” (Luke 15:24). This is the sixth time the father emptied himself. Let us join in heaven’s joy over every soul that returns to God. “Let the repenting sinner cling to this hope, and not be discouraged” (Steps to Christ, p. 34). Amen. Mercy guides our steps, as Micah 6:8 declares, He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Compassion triumphs, shown in James 2:13, For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. Yet the father deals tenderly with him. ‘Son,’ he says, ‘thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine’ (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 208, 1900). This is the sixth time father empties himself. Having obtained his patrimony, he goes into ‘a far country,’ away from his father’s home (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 199, 1900). Grace calls us to emulate the Father.

Luke 15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. (KJV)

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SONSHIP: EMPTIED HIMSELF FOR THE PRODIGAL SON

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